Pharmacy Degree Entry Requirements

The university entry requirements vary depending on where you apply. Many universities prefer students with higher UCAS points tally, while others prefer those with industry experience.

What is a Pharmacy degree?

A pharmacy degree is a degree that focuses on the study of medicine. Though you will look at the practical side of medicine production and research, it also focuses on the theory of medicine and how to treat patients.

The modules you will study will depend on the university you attend. Generally, a pharmacy degree includes modules such as drug design, immunology, endocrinology, clinical care, musculoskeletal systems and pharmaceutical microbiology.

Pharmacy degree entry requirements

The entry requirements for pharmacy courses will vary depending on where you apply. As pharmacy ranks as one of the most difficult courses in UK education, students must have fairly high grades.

The most common entry requirements for a pharmacy degree are:

Not all universities will accept all qualifications. For example, BTECs and T Levels may not be accepted by all universities,s o you will need to check beforehand if these are accepted.

A Levels

A Levels are accepted at all colleges and universities in the UK. For a pharmacy degree, you will need to have studied chemistry. Biology will also be accepted, however, you will need to have maths or physics alongside it. General studies aren’t accepted.

BTEC

A BTEC is the second most commonly-accepted qualification in the UK. Typically, A Levels are the most commonly preferred qualification types for courses such as this. Admissions may be accepted with a BTEC, however, these will likely need to be supplemented with A Levels.

BMAT

The BMAT is an admissions test. Specifically, it is an admissions test for students who wish to study medical courses at university, however, not all universities require you to sit the BMAT.

The universities that require students to have studied the BMAT are:

• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford

The test is set into three different sections. Generally, your full score will be taken into account. However, some universities may be more interested in individual section scores than your overall score.

IELTS

The IELTS is a qualification designed specifically for international students. As pharmacy is a popular and challenging degree, you will need to have high marks in the exam. Standard Level is accepted, however, universities tend to prefer Higher Level. A 6,6,6 or 6,6,5 will be required.

International Baccalaureate

As with the IELTS, the International Baccalaureate is only for international students. Some universities may take your overall grade, while others base your application on your scores for each section.

T Levels

Not all universities will necessarily accept T Levels. They will, one day, replace BTECs, however, they are still not ubiquitously accepted. It is unlikely that a university will accept T Levels for a pharmacy degree unless you have combined it with an A Level.

UCAT

The UCAT is similar to the BMAT. It is an admissions test for those seeking a medical-based or dentistry degree.

The following universities require students to sit the UCAT:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Cardiff University
• Edge Hill University
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• Kent & Medway Medical School
• King's College London
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Queen's University Belfast
• St. George's, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leicester
• University of Lincoln
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Plymouth
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Sunderland
• University of Warwick (graduate entry)

Not all universities will require medical degree applicants to sit the UCAT. The test is set into five different sections. Universities may choose students based on their overall results or, as with the BMAT, based on the results of individual sections.

What is the best university for a Pharmacy degree?

The best university for studying pharmacy is down to you. Some universities specialise in specific subjects, but that doesn’t mean they are the best place for you to study for the degree.

You need to select the university that is best suited to you. Find out more about the university by looking up how they have done in the TEF awards or by attending a university open day.

Consider the aspects that are most important to you. As this is both a theory and practical-based degree, it is important to consider the teaching aspect of the university, as well as the facilities they have.

How to write my Pharmacy degree personal statement

Personal statements are a means for students to “sell themselves” to a university. They are 4,000 characters long and must take up no more than 47 lines.

Generally, it is best to start by speaking about your love of the subject. This will form the core of your pharmacy personal statement. You can speak about the origins of your interest in pharmacy and any life experiences that may have led you to this point. Maybe you read a book or saw a film or TV show that interested you enough about the subject? Experiences related to the degree will always help with any creative block.

The main part is speaking about yourself. Universities want to know what kind of addition to the student society you will be and what kind of person you are. Speak about your achievements up to that point and your hobbies and interests.

What jobs can you get with a Pharmacy degree?

A pharmacy degree does not limit you to jobs in the pharmacy or medical sector. As it is a wide-ranging and complicated degree, there are several jobs that you could consider.

The main jobs for those with a pharmacy degree to consider are:

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Physician associate
• Regulatory affairs officer
• Research scientist
• Toxicologist

You can also look into becoming a teacher or lecturer. However, you will need a PGCE degree or a Masters in Education.

Can you find a Pharmacy degree during Clearing?

Although pharmacy is a very popular course, you can usually find Clearing pharmacy courses. These courses will likely have lower entry requirements than other courses.

Despite this, there may have to be some sacrifices on your part regarding the course content. As it is a Clearing course, you may be required to sit an additional foundation year.